TRANSVAC2 funds a Collaboration between
European and US/Canadian SMEs
on a unique, single-shot SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
LiteVax BV (Oss, the Netherlands), ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (Oss, the Netherlands and Victoria,
Canada) and IRTA (Barcelona, Spain) decided to combine their respective expertise in the field of
immunoadjuvants, antigen design and vaccination evaluation, to develop an effective and safe SARSCoV-2 vaccine for the globe. Feasibility of single-shot approach will be evaluated in large, nonrodent
species by measuring neutralizing antibody responses and immunological memory. Based on results with
similar experimental vaccines, expectations are high. The project is sponsored by TRANSVAC2, a network
of leading European groups working in the field of vaccine R&D and funded by the European Commission
(EC grant agreement N° 730964).
ImmunoPrecise Antibodies exploits it’s PolyTopeTM monoclonal antibody platform for the treatment of
patients against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The platform is of particular interest to identify and optimize
neutralizing epitopes and to design promising antigen candidates. A selection of unique, rationaldesigned subunits will be investigated. LiteVax exploits a novel class of synthetic carbohydrate
derivatives as vaccine adjuvant and preclinical data demonstrate that high responses and strong
immunological memory are obtained already after a first vaccination. As service provider in this
collaboration, IRTA (Barcelona) has all relevant expertise, know-how and facilities to conduct vaccination
studies in large animal species including SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
With the many COVID19-vaccine initiatives in advanced stage of development, opportunities for new
candidates are controlled activation and modulation of the immune system; high and persistent
immunity, strong memory and no immune-enhanced disease are key. Provided that results are
promising, the project will be a first stepping stone towards clinical development and commercialization
of the concept. Funding by TRANSVAC2/EU acts as a catalyst to crossing boundaries and building an
inspiring collaboration between parties with complementary technologies. By this transatlantic
collaboration we hope to contribute to the idea that global problems should be solved together.
